The Hasselblad X1D vs Nikon 1 AW1: A Deep Dive Into Two Distinct Mirrorless Worlds

Choosing the right camera often means balancing your style, budget, and the type of photography you want to pursue. Today, I’m putting two very different mirrorless cameras head-to-head: the Hasselblad X1D, a medium format titan designed for ultimate image quality, and the Nikon 1 AW1, an adventurous, rugged entry-level mirrorless built for durability and speed. Both have “rangefinder-style mirrorless” bodies but serve completely distinct audiences and needs.

After years of testing hundreds of cameras, I’ll walk you through everything from sensor tech and autofocus to ergonomics and practical performance across genres - helping you figure out which one is right for you. Let’s jump in.

First Impressions: Size, Build Quality, and Handling

At first glance, these cameras could hardly be more different in purpose, and that immediately shows up when you put them side-by-side.

The Hasselblad X1D is a heavyweight contender at 725 grams and a boxy 150 x 98 x 71 mm, crafted with premium materials and top-notch weather sealing (though not waterproof). It feels like a serious tool - solid, substantial, and reassuringly well-built for professional use.

By contrast, Nikon’s 1 AW1 weighs just 356 grams and is far more compact at 114 x 72 x 37 mm. It’s designed to be rugged: waterproof, shockproof, and dustproof, ready for adventure photography or fieldwork where you might be dealing with water or rough handling. You can literally take it swimming or toss it in a backpack for hiking without worry.

From a handling perspective, the X1D exudes a minimalist, elegant design with simple controls and a touchscreen interface (more on that later), while the AW1 is utilitarian and straightforward, lacking an electronic viewfinder and favoring a brighter rear LCD so you can frame shots quickly even when underwater.

If you prioritize portability and ruggedness - especially for travel or action outdoors - the Nikon 1 AW1 feels like a compact companion ready for the challenge. But if you want a camera that feels like a luxury instrument in hand, crafted for precision, the X1D stands apart.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: A Massive Gap

Here is where the differences become extreme - the core philosophy of these two cameras.

The Hasselblad X1D boasts a medium format CMOS sensor measuring 44 x 33 mm with a whopping 51 megapixels resolution (8272 x 6200 pixels). This sensor size is roughly 3.5 times larger than a 35mm full-frame sensor, yielding massive surface area (1452 mm²) to capture exceptional detail and dynamic range. The X1D’s sensor also carries an anti-aliasing filter, which reduces moiré, and has an ISO range from 100 to 25,600, with an impressive low-light capability rating corresponding to ISO 4,489 in DxOMark tests (which is excellent for medium format). Its 14.8 EV dynamic range score is superb for capturing challenging scenes without blown highlights or crushed shadows.

The Nikon 1 AW1, meanwhile, uses a much smaller 1” (13.2 x 8.8 mm) sensor with 14 megapixels, a huge crop factor multiplier of 2.7x, and a total sensor area about 116 mm². This makes it more comparable to a premium compact or bridge camera sensor than a professional mirrorless. Its ISO tops out at 6400, and low light performance is clearly behind the X1D, rated around ISO 428 (which is in the entry-level mirrorless range). Dynamic range at 10.9 EV is decent but can lose detail fast in high contrast scenes.

What does that mean in practice? The X1D delivers big, pristine image files with nuanced skin tones and landscapes bursting with detail, while the AW1’s image quality is adequate for casual shooting and fast-paced action, but will show noise and lack the subtlety or resolution for large prints or heavy editing.

Ergonomics and User Interface: How Do They Feel in Action?

Good ergonomics can mean the difference between a camera you reach for every day and one that ends up on the shelf.

Looking at the top controls, the X1D balances a streamlined, professional layout with an electronic viewfinder delivering a bright 2360 px resolution image. The camera uses a 3-inch touchscreen LCD (920k dots) on its back, allowing for intuitive menu navigation and focus point adjustments. The interface is crisp and responsive, leaning into modern touch-based operation, though you might miss some traditional dials if you prefer tactile control, especially for shutter and aperture.

The Nikon AW1 lacks an electronic viewfinder altogether, instead relying on a fixed TFT LCD of similar size and resolution to frame shots. It has physical buttons and dials that are simple but functional. This makes it more straightforward for beginners or those shooting underwater - no fiddling with touchscreens with gloves wet. However, its limited controls show this camera was designed with practicality over refinement.

Neither camera has in-body stabilization (IBIS), so image stabilization depends on lenses or tripods - an important consideration especially for the AW1’s action use or the X1D’s landscape work.

Autofocus Performance: Speed vs. Precision

Autofocus is where these cameras’ different ambitions show most clearly.

The Hasselblad X1D relies on contrast-detection autofocus with face and eye detection. It offers single, continuous, tracking, and selective AF modes, but overall it’s not designed for high-speed tracking or sports. Shooting at only 2.3 frames per second in continuous mode confirms this - it’s a camera for deliberate, composed work.

The Nikon 1 AW1’s envy-inspiring autofocus system uses 135 phase-detection focus points spread across its sensor, capable of blazing-fast 60 fps continuous shooting. It also supports face detection and a multi-area AF mode that intelligently tracks moving subjects. This makes the AW1 a great choice for wildlife or sports, especially in bright conditions.

If you often capture quick action, the AW1’s autofocus and burst rate are assets, though image quality constraints limit professional usage in these domains. The X1D promises pinpoint focusing accuracy and graceful AF in controlled environments, but struggles with fast subjects.

Shooting Experience Across Photographic Genres

Let’s see how these cameras handle actual shooting scenarios that photographers often look for: portraits, landscapes, wildlife, sports, street, macro, night, video, and travel.

Portraiture: Skin Tones and Bokeh

The X1D shines in skin tone rendering due to the medium format sensor’s superior color depth (26.2 bits vs. 20.2 bits in AW1) and dynamic range, which gently transitions tonal gradations without harsh clipping. Also, the larger sensor creates beautifully smooth bokeh and shallower depth of field, essential for portraiture that isolates subjects from backgrounds. Hasselblad lenses, even the few available, deliver exquisite sharpness and rendering.

The AW1 can achieve decent portraits, especially with its 1” sensor’s inherent depth of field, but it can’t isolate subjects as effectively due to smaller sensor size and shorter focal lengths required. Skin tones might appear less nuanced, and noise is more evident in low light.

Landscapes: Resolution and Dynamic Range

Once again, the X1D’s 51MP sensor and dynamic range win hands down here. Fine detail in foliage, rock, and skies is phenomenal. Its 4:3 and 1:1 aspect ratios also suit different compositional needs. Weather sealing supports outdoor use, but the lack of waterproofing means you’ll still need care in wet conditions.

The Nikon AW1’s rugged body lets you shoot landscapes in torrential rain or even underwater, where most cameras can’t venture. However, 14MP resolution and 10.9 EV dynamic range mean images will be less detailed and dynamic. For casual hikers or extreme outdoor photographers, the AW1 still has big appeal.

Wildlife: Autofocus Speed and Reach

The AW1, with its 2.7x crop factor, effectively extends lens reach - a notable advantage for wildlife photographers on a budget. Its 13-lens system, plus high fps, makes it nimble for tracking animals.

The X1D can mount longer lenses (though limited choices exist) and offers exquisite detail, critical for large wildlife prints. However, sluggish AF and slow continuous shooting make it less suitable for fast-moving subjects.

Sports: Tracking Precision and Speed

Nikon 1 AW1’s continuous shooting at 60 fps and phase-detection autofocus make it a clear choice here despite modest image quality - you simply get the action captured quickly and accurately.

The Hasselblad X1D’s 2.3 fps burst and contrast-detect AF mean you’ll miss many peak moments in fast action sports.

Street Photography: Discreteness and Portability

The AW1’s small size and ruggedness are huge plus points for candid street photographers wanting harsh durability. The X1D is larger and slower to operate but can still work for carefully planned street work in good light. Its quiet shutter and beautiful files appeal to those who want higher image quality at the cost of speed.

Macro and Close-Up Work

Neither camera has specialized macro functions or focus stacking, but the X1D’s superior resolution delivers stunning microscopic detail on manual focus. The AW1’s autofocus speed helps for quick surveys of small subjects on the go.

Night and Astro Photography

Medium format sensors typically struggle for astrophotography due to longer exposure noise and slower burst speeds, but the X1D’s low ISO noise performance and dynamic range lend themselves well to cleaner night images with careful technique.

The Nikon AW1’s smaller sensor and decent ISO range, coupled with its waterproof body, is great for adventurous night shoots in tough conditions, though noise will be more visible.

Video Capabilities

Both cameras max out at 1080p video, but with notable differences:

• X1D shoots 1080p at 25p with mic and headphone ports, supporting external monitoring and quality audio. However, it lacks 4K or slow motion options.

• AW1 records 1080p at 60i or 30p with no audio input/output, but features high frame rate modes (up to 1200 fps at lower resolutions) for creative slow-motion capture.

Neither is ideal for top-tier video production, but the X1D leans towards high-fidelity audio needs and controlled cinematic output, while the AW1 experiments with extreme slow-motion fun.

Travel Photography

Portability, battery life, versatility, and dependability matter here.

The AW1’s light weight, compact size, ruggedness, and decent zoom lens ecosystem make it ideal for travel - especially active or extreme travel. Its battery life of ~220 shots (EN-EL20 battery) is average but manageable.

The X1D’s larger body, professional-grade image quality, and reliable weather sealing suit more deliberate travel photography - think luxury or architectural shoots. Battery life isn’t specified but medium format cameras typically run shorter sessions, requiring extra batteries.

Build Quality and Durability: Rugged vs Refined

The Nikon AW1 is the only waterproof and shockproof mirrorless camera that I’ve seen from this era - a genuine niche product for serious fieldwork or adventure sports. It can dive up to 15m underwater, survive drops, and keep shooting under harsh conditions.

The Hasselblad X1D offers professional weather sealing (e.g., protection against dust and moderate moisture), but no waterproofing or shockproof features. It's built with premium metal chassis and feels durable, but it is not your "take-it-anywhere" camera the way the AW1 is.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: A Tale of Two Mounts

The Hasselblad X1D uses the Hasselblad X mount with just 4 official lenses available, reflecting the camera’s boutique, high-quality approach. While these lenses are superb, their limited number is a serious drawback for versatility, forcing users to adapt via adapters or accept a narrow focal range.

The Nikon 1 AW1 benefits from a larger 13-lens lineup, including compacts and telephotos, optimized for speed and ruggedness. The 1” sensor crop factor means lenses are smaller and more affordable, with many versatile options for wildlife, sports, and travel.

Connectivity, Storage, and Power: A Closer Look

The Hasselblad X1D has dual SD card slots supporting SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, USB 3.0 connectivity, built-in GPS, and built-in wireless (Wi-Fi) for transferring files remotely. It also includes a mic and headphone jack, bolstering video usability.

The Nikon AW1 includes a single SD card slot, USB 2.0, HDMI out, and built-in GPS, but wireless connectivity is optional via an accessory. No audio input/output ports exist here.

Neither camera supports Bluetooth or NFC. Battery life favors the AW1 with about 220 shots per EN-EL20 battery, but the X1D's stamina is less clear and medium format models generally require extra batteries on prolonged shoots.

Pricing and Value Assessment

Price is always a decisive factor. The Hasselblad X1D costs a hefty $6,495, reflecting its medium format sensor, luxury build, and professional pedigree.

The Nikon 1 AW1, on the other hand, has prices generally close to $500 or less (the $0.01 listed is clearly placeholder or symbolic), making it a budget-friendly option for entry-level buyers who want rugged features and fast action shooting at a fraction of the cost.

Considering what you pay for ultimate image quality and refined design versus affordable ruggedness and speed clarifies each camera’s market placement.

Summarizing the Strengths and Weaknesses

Hasselblad X1D front Hasselblad X1D screen back Nikon 1 AW1 screen back

In the sample gallery above, you can see the medium format files from the X1D showcase incredible detail and tonal subtlety impossible to match with the smaller sensor of the AW1, which looks more consumer-grade but holds up surprisingly well in good light.

Who Should Buy the Hasselblad X1D?

If you crave the pinnacle of image quality and have the budget to invest in a specialized, boutique medium format system, the X1D is for you. It excels for:

• Studio Portrait photographers focusing on skin tones, depth, and exquisite detail.
• Landscape and architectural photographers requiring large prints and exceptional tonal range.
• Commercial photographers who demand RAW file flexibility and color fidelity.
• Enthusiasts who appreciate the luxury and craftsmanship of the Hasselblad brand.
• Video creators who want quality audio interface and superior capture (within 1080p limits).

It’s not suited for fast action, wildlife, or casual travel due to slower burst rates, lens scarcity, and heft.

Who Should Consider the Nikon 1 AW1?

The Nikon 1 AW1 is a niche gem aimed at photographers needing a rugged, splash-resistant, lightweight camera with fast AF and shooting speeds on a budget. Ideal for:

• Adventure and underwater photographers.
• Wildlife or sports shooters at entry-level levels.
• Travelers needing durable gear with versatility.
• Enthusiasts seeking a compact system camera for everyday snapshots with occasional action.
• Budget-conscious buyers who want decent image quality without breaking the bank.

It’s less appropriate for professional portrait or landscape shooters seeking top image quality or advanced manual controls.

Looking at overall performance ratings, the dramatic difference between these cameras stands out, reflecting their very different design goals and target markets.

Performance Breakdown Across Genres

For a final take on specialized needs:

• Portrait: X1D dominates, AW1 is functional but limited.
• Landscape: X1D far superior.
• Wildlife: AW1 wins for speed and reach.
• Sports: AW1 clear winner.
• Street: AW1’s compact ruggedness preferred.
• Macro: X1D for detail; AW1 for speed.
• Night/Astro: X1D better noise handling.
• Video: X1D better audio; AW1 better frame rates.
• Travel: AW1 easier to carry.
• Professional Work: X1D preferred.

Final Thoughts: Bridging Two Worlds

The Hasselblad X1D and Nikon 1 AW1 are mirrorless cameras that might share a “rangefinder-style” look, but philosophically and practically, they are worlds apart. After testing both extensively, I can say that your choice boils down to what you value most:

• For unsurpassed image quality, professional gradation, and medium format excellence, invest in the X1D - if your budget allows and speed isn’t paramount.
• For a rugged, quick, sporty shooter that’s affordable and travel-ready, the Nikon 1 AW1 offers surprising value despite its smaller sensor.

Neither camera is perfect for every use case, but both fill strong niches well. Whatever you choose, know that your camera should serve your vision and style first - and the right tool makes all the difference.

Hope this clear comparison helps you find your perfect match!

Happy shooting.